Module 1 Introduction - parks.ca.gov

08/2004 Module 1 Introduction/Basic Interpretation Handbook

Introduction

Through interpretive andeducational programs, thepublic gains appreciation andinsight into California’s naturaland cultural riches. Through

leadership and example, the Department will mentorpractices to sustain these riches into the future.

California State Parks

Courtesy Enos Mills Cabin Museum

© 2003 California State Parks

08/2004 1-2 Introduction/Basic Interpretation Handbook

Introduction In 2001, an estimated 86 million people visited California’s 273 park units. Visitors travel tothese precious resources seeking various recreational experiences. Approximately 750 state parkpeace officers are charged with protecting the natural resources of California State Parks andproviding for visitor enjoyment and use of those resources. Interpretation is used in many formsby park staff to communicate with these visitors. Used correctly, interpretation functions as thepreferred light-handed management tool to help increase the visitor’s enjoyment and protect thepark’s resources.

History of interpretation When reviewing the history of the profession of interpretation, certain names such as EnosMills, John Muir, and Freeman Tilden consistently appear. Many places also seem to have playeda key role in the development of the discipline, including California. Interpretation began as aprivate business and was soon adopted by public agencies and organizations. As the country andits people changed and evolved, so has the discipline of interpretation.

Module 1

Although there are numerous definitions of interpretation, they all center around the idea oftranslating information from the scientist, the historian, and the manager to the visitor. Overtime, how interpretation has been defined and delivered has changed and evolved. Module 1-Introduction summarizes the historical development of interpretation, presents some of thecurrently accepted definitions of interpretation, and reviews the interpretive services provided byCalifornia State Parks. Module 1-Introduction answers the question, “Interpretation: What isit?”

In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We willlove only what we understand. We will understand onlywhat we are taught. Baba Dioum

it?Interpretation What is


Enos Mills (1870-1922) Enos Mills is considered one of the founders of the interpretive profes-sion. He started interpreting as a “nature guide” in 1889, leading trips toLong’s Peak, in what later became Rocky Mountain National Park.

Mills had an insatiable thirst for knowledge about the resource andbelieved a nature guide must “have a wide range of knowledge and to be capable of tactfullyimparting this directly and indirectly” (Mills, 1920, p. 110). During the span of his career, Millsled over 250 groups to the summit of Long’s Peak, encouraging their connection to the resourcehe loved so dearly. Mills was one of the first to make use of the relationship between whatvisitors learn about a resource and how much they care for it, and want to protect it. He influenced the evolution of park protection, started one of the first programs in the countryto train interpreters, and authored more than 15 books about the art and science of interpreting.His book, Adventures of a Nature Guide, written in 1920, paints a wonderful historical picture ofinterpretation early in its professional development. “This new occupation is likely to be far-reaching in its influences; it is inspirational and educational. Anyone who has a vacation or anouting in contact with nature will have from the great outdoors its higher values as well as alivelier enjoyment if accompanied by a nature guide” (Mills, 1920, p. 154). Mills’ thoughts andobservations regarding the profession form the foundation of interpretive theory and practice.

John Muir (1838-1914) Although John Muir’s role in the development of interpretation isless obvious than Enos Mills’, it is no less important. John Muir hasbeen credited with being the first to use the term “interpret” inreference to nature when he said,

Muir’s work embodied the essence of interpretation. He used his communications of thenatural world to encourage people to protect and preserve the topics of his stories. Muir wasseminal in the establishment of Yosemite as a national park and was the founder of the SierraClub. Through his writings and presentations, Muir interpreted much of the West to the nation.

The people

I developed nature guiding, that is, helping people tobecome happily acquainted with the life and wonders ofwild nature. Enos Mills

I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of the flood,storm and avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with theglaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart ofthe world as I can. John Muir

Courtesy Enos Mills Cabin Museum

History of interpretation


•Any interpretation that does not somehow relate what is beingdisplayed or described to something within the personality orexperience of the visitor will be sterile.

• Information, as such, is not interpretation. Interpretation is revela-tion based on information. But they are entirely different things.However, all interpretation includes information.

• Interpretation is an art, which combines many arts, whether thematerials presented are scientific, historical or architectural. Anyart is in some degree teachable.

• The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation.• Interpretation should aim to present a whole rather than a part,

and must address itself to the whole man rather than any phase.• Interpretation addressed to children (say up to the age of 12)

should not be a dilution of the presentation to adults, but shouldfollow a fundamentally different approach. To be at its best it willrequire a separate program.

Freeman Tilden (1883-1980) Freeman Tilden’s influence and impact on the field of interpretation is one of the moststrongly felt today. Many consider him to be the “father” of modern interpretation. Unlike Millsand Muir, he was not a naturalist nor an interpreter, but a writer and a reporter. He was hired bythe National Park Service to tour the parks, observe all he could, and write about the interpretiveservices provided. His book, Interpreting Our Heritage, written in 1957 is one of the mostwidely accepted reviews of the philosophy of interpretation. Tilden wrote many other books andcontinued his work for over 20 years. No modern literary work has had the same impact on thefield of interpretation as Interpreting Our Heritage.

Galen Clark (1814-1910) Galen Clark is often overlooked but is one of the most important people in California’s history ofinterpretation. A law signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1864 created the first state park in the country inYosemite Valley. In 1866, more than 20 years before Mills led his first trip up Long’s Peak, Galen Clarkbecame the first formally appointed, paid park ranger in the country (Lynch, 1996). Called the “Guardianof Yosemite,” Clark became both protector and educator. Clark’s primary directive, from the eight member Commission appointed to manage the park, was toprotect the park. Over the years, Clark led hundreds of visitors, including John Muir, through the wilds ofYosemite. After several excursions with Clark, Muir said, “His kindness to all Yosemite visitors andmountaineers was marvelously constant and uniform” (Muir, 1912, p. 189). In fact, Clark “began theproud tradition of protection and care of parks, combined with helpful service to the visiting public”(Lynch, 1996, p. 13). In 1880, when Clark was no longer the official “Guardian” of Yosemite, he

Tilden’s Six Principles of Interpretation




Federal agencies Traditionally born out of the National Park Service, interpretation, in one form or another, isused by all resource management agencies today. Although it is used in a number of capacities,the primary function of interpretation has always been as a management tool.

National Park Service (NPS) California not only had the first paid “interpreter” in any state, it was also home to the first

paid interpreter for NPS. In 1920, more than 40 years after Clark served as the firstpaid “Guardian of Yosemite,” the NPS hired its first interpreters for Yosemite. In 1919, Stephen Mather, the first director of the newly established NPS, wastraveling in the Tahoe area when he saw a captivated crowd gathered around LoyeMiller at Fallen Leaf Lodge. Miller was a paleornithologist and educated audiences

with his entertaining presentations about birds. Mather, charged with protecting the nationalparks, recognized that this was exactly what he was seeking “in order to counteract those personswho would selfishly destroy park values” (Sharpe, 1976, p. 31). After several months hesucceeded in convincing those involved at Tahoe to come to Yosemite. Mather was so sure thatnature guiding was essential to the successful management of the parks that he personallyfinanced the early work in Yosemite for several years. The NPS continues to be the leader inproviding interpretive services with over 2,000 paid interpreters and 200,000 docents andvolunteers working across the country.

United States Forest Service (USFS) The USFS manages some of the largest areas of public land in the United States - 155national forests and over 100 National Scenic Byways across the country. The agencybegan to develop its own version of interpretive services when it created the Branch ofVisitor Information Services in 1961. One of the primary reasons for its establishmentwas to help explain to the public the complex policies set forth in the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of 1960. The USFS was shifting its focus for the management of thepublic’s resources. It was clear that the public needed to be educated about the changes. Since formally offering the first interpretive services in 1961, USFS has had a tumultuous history ofproviding interpretation to the public. In 1980, USFS changed the name of its interpretive program fromVisitor Information Services to Interpretive Services, the focus being to orient, inform, and interpret tovisitors. USFS is currently in the process of developing an Interpretive Services Strategy. One of the primaryissues with interpretation for USFS is that employees are asked to perform many duties. Thoseconducting interpretation are only focusing about 20-50% of their time on interpretation (Prell, 2002).Most of the interpretation conducted by this federal agency is done in writing, through signs and

continued to lead groups through the valley operating what he termed a “Tourist Coach.” Clarkwas arguably then both the first officially appointed, paid interpreter and the first one practicingthe profession as a private citizen.


brochures, and reaches millions of visitors annually. For the Pacific Southwest Region of theUSFS, Sharon Prell, Recreation Extension Agent, said “we...strive to meet the growing demandsof people who seek learning-based activities and want more than just information” (Prell, 2002).

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) The USFWS also began to provide interpretive services in response tomanagement concerns. Early in its inception, the primary visiting public werehunters and fishermen who, through the purchase of licenses and equipment,provided much of the funding for the agency. The 1980s saw a decline in thenumbers of people fishing and hunting regularly and an increase in a new populationof users. These “nonconsumptive” users were not interested in shooting the wildlife with a gun,but with a camera. Terms such as “watchable wildlife” surfaced and new management issuesoccurred. In fact, one of the most popular recreation activities today is bird watching, and“birders” flock to lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Through employees andcontractors, the USFWS provides interpretive services to millions of visitors across the country.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) The BLM, much like the USFWS, has a relatively young history in interpretation.With the largest public land base in the country, the BLM has great potential for

increasing its interpretive efforts. Like the USFS, the BLM began offeringinterpretive services in response to a legislated change in management mandate. In

1976, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act was passed, requiring that the BLMmanage its land for multiple uses, including recreation. Increased use combined with fragile aridenvironments forced the agency to provide more interpretive services in an effort to protectresources and provide for the mandated multiple uses. Today, several BLM sites around thecountry, such as Coos Bay in Oregon and the Lost Coast in California, are increasing interpretiveservices offered to the public.

United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) The USACE provides the greatest number of water-based recreation opportunities inthe country. Although the agency began in 1936, it did not start providing recreationservices until the mid-1940s. In the early 1980s, the USACE began to establish a VisitorPerception and Interpretive Services Program. The goal of the program is to educate and enlighten thepublic regarding the purpose and concept of the USACE, the operation of their water projects, and thehistorical and natural features of the area. In addition to providing many of the same interpretive servicesas the other federal agencies, the USACE also provides many unique opportunities in interpretation suchas self-guided water trails and interpreter-led boat tours. Although today there are many water-basedinterpretive opportunities provided by other organizations and agencies, the USACE was one of the firstto provide such services for the public. The USACE has also conducted and funded research todemonstrate the effectiveness of interpretation in meeting agency goals and objectives.



In California, the history of interpretation is an old one. From the first nationally appointed“interpreter” in 1866, to the second largest group of paid park rangers in the country today,California has a strong tradition of interpretation. With the appointment of Galen Clark in 1866,Yosemite became the first site in the country to have a paid “nature guide.” In 1920, Stephen T.Mather made California’s Yosemite the site of the first “nature guide” in the National ParkService. State departments providing interpretive services in California today include Parks andRecreation, Fish and Game, and Water Resources. A brief history of these three departments isprovided below.

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) In 1927, a comprehensive plan was signed into law creating California’s state park system. With helpfrom the Save-the-Redwoods League and individuals such as Frederick Law Olmstead, Newton B. Drury,and John D. Rockefeller, the state park system grew rapidly. Newton Drury oversaw the evolution of theorganization as Chief of California’s Division of Beaches and Parks. Throughout the history of theorganization, there have been several different divisions, including the Division of Beaches and Parks, theDivision of Recreation, and the Division of Small Craft Harbors. In 1961, these various divisions mergedinto the Division of Beaches and Parks. In 1967, William Penn Mott became the director and transformedthe Division of Beaches and Parks into the current Department of Parks and Recreation. Mott was one ofthe most influential leaders in California State Parks and one of the most ardent supporters of the role ofinterpretation in the parks.

The Department of Parks and Recreation, commonly known as California State Parks, currentlymanages more than 270 park units, encompassing over one third of California’s coastline and providingrecreation opportunities for over 85 million people annually. More than 2,500 state park employees and12,000 volunteers help maintain and protect some of California’s most pristine, scenic and fragile areas aswell as valuable cultural resources. California’s state parks are not only visited by the public, but arevalued by them as well. In 2000, California voters passed the largest state park bond ($2.1 billion) in thenation’s history. In 2002 voters approved a second, even larger, park bond ($2.6 billion). WithinCalifornia State Parks, interpretation plays a large role. In fiscal year 2000-01, the total number ofinterpretive programs given statewide was 148,234.

The Mission of the California Department of Parksand Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration

and education of the people of California by helping topreserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity,protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, andcreating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

California Department of Parks and Recreation

State agencies



Local agencies Many communities, cities, special districts, and counties have museums, parks, cultural sites,recreational facilities, and zoos. They are managed by local government agencies and non-profitorganizations. Each varies greatly in their approach to interpretation. Some, like the East BayRegional Park District and the Oakland Museums of California, are well established and havedeveloped extensive facilities and programs, which reach thousands of visitors each year. Theseorganizations have the abilitity to adapt and transform themselves, expanding their outreach tothe perceived needs of their respective communities. They have adopted a regional or statewideapproach to interpretation and offer comprehensive training for their staff and volunteers, as wellas for individuals from other agencies. Other organizations, because of their location andbudgetary considerations, have taken more modest approaches to interpretation. Within mostcounties there is at least one organization that is focused on the preservation and interpretation ofthe area’s natural or cultural history.


DFG is another state agency that provides interpretive and educational services forthe public. They were early players in interpretation by sponsoring lectures and toursthroughout the state. DFG is charged with managing California’s fish, wildlife, andplant resources and the habitats on which they depend. According to the mission of theagency, these resources should be protected for their “ecological values and for theiruse and enjoyment by the public.” DFG has over 150 public access sites and manages in excessof 800,000 acres of land. Beginning in the 1850s, DFG enacted laws to protect and manage thestate’s wildlife. In 1914, DFG created the Bureau of Education, Publicity and Research becauseof the clear need to develop these areas. In 1984, DFG’s Conservation Education implementedProject Wild, and later added Aquatic Wild. These popular programs provide free wildlifeeducation throughout the state. Other popular outreach efforts sponsored by DFG include theHunter Education and the Urban Fishing Programs.

Department of Water Resources (DWR)

DWR is a third state agency that provides interpretive services in California.DWR was created in 1956 by the California State Legislature to plan and guide the

development of the state’s water resources. With increasing demands on waterresources and public conflict over the use of those resources, DWR created the Office of PublicInformation and Communications in 1987. Now known as the Office of Water Education, itsprimary function is to conduct outreach and education for the public regarding the state’s waterresources. School publications, public tours, and exhibits are the most common outreach toolsused by the DWR.

Department of Fish and Game (DFG)


Private organizations Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that provide interpretive services and opportunitiescan be classified into two groups, for-profit and nonprofit.

For-profit For-profit organizations are similar to those that gave rise to the profession of interpretation.For example, the early work of Enos Mills and Loye Miller was conducted for a fee. Today, thisfor-profit work has transformed from a few individuals, conducting programs for a minimal feeand maybe food and lodging, to a multimillion-dollar-a-year business. Ecotourism is one of thefastest growing areas in recreation (Doyle, 1999). Tour companies, cruise lines, and travelorganizations often hire interpreters to help visitors have meaningful and enjoyable experiences,thus ensuring customer satisfaction and return business. Many individuals also make their livingproviding contractual interpretive services and training for outfitters and guides.

Nonprofit There are thousands of nonprofit organizations throughout the country that provideinterpretive services to the public. Oganizations such as the California State Parks Foundation,National Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, and the National Parks and ConservationAssociation are a few of the better known nonprofit organizations. In California, there are morethan 80 nonprofit cooperating associations that assist with fundraising to support interpretiveefforts in state parks. Some of the most visible services provided by cooperating associations inCalifornia State Parks are the sales and services provided in visitor centers and bookstores.Cooperating associations began in California in 1972, and in the year 2000 alone they raisedalmost $12 million (Cooperating Associations Program 2000 Statistical Summary). The typicalCalifornia State Parks cooperating organization usually consists of a Board of Directors,volunteers, and, in some associations, paid staff. A state park employee serves as CooperatingAssociation Liaison (CAL), the conduit between the Board of Directors and California StateParks.

Nature is not so much her own ever-sweetinterpreter, as the mere supplier of that cunningalphabet, whereby selecting and combining as hepleases, each man reads his own peculiar lessonaccording to his own peculiar mind and mood.

Herman Melville




186418661872188918911897

19001914

19161918192019271938

19561957

19601961

19641967

1972197319741976

1980

1984

1987

1988

2000

Yosemite Valley made first state park in the nation

Enos Mills began leading trips as a “nature guide”Forest Reserve Act created National Forest System

First national park established -Yellowstone

Forest Management Act establishes reserves

National Park Service Act passed

Steven T. Mather hired first paid “interpreter” in the national parksCalifornia State Park System created

Freeman Tilden published Interpreting Our Heritage

Multiple Use - Sustained Yield act passedUS Forest Service - Visitor Information Services branch established

Wilderness Act passedWilliam Penn Mott, Jr. became director of California StateParks

California Department of Fish and Game’s, Bureau of Education, Publicationsand Resources established

California Dept. of Water Resources established

First California State Park cooperating associations establishedCalifornia State Park - Jr. Ranger Program established statewide

Federal Land Policy and Mgmt. Act established

US Army Corps of Engineers established Visitor Perception and InterpretiveServices ProgramCalifornia Dept. of Fish and Game - Project Wild and Aquatic WildestablishedCalifornia Dept. of Water Resources Office of Public Information and Communi-cation established

Wm. Penn Mott, Jr. Training Center dedicated

Save-the-Redwoods League established

First National Park Service Jr. Naturalist Programs -Yosemite

National Association for Interpretation established

Galen Clark appointed “Guardian” of Yosemite

Significant dates in interpretive history


Interpretation defined There are numerous definitions of interpretation. In fact, Tilden said good interpreters willcome up with their own definitions. Tell anyone outside of the discipline that you are aninterpreter and they will ask what language you speak. In a way, they are right in theirunderstanding of the word. To interpret is to translate the language of the scientist, the voices ofthe past, and the significance of the places to create meanings and connections with the people ofthe present. Interpretation is an artful form of communication that stresses ideas and relationships, notsimply isolated facts and figures. This is most frequently done through the use of hands-onapproaches, firsthand experiences and/or the use of physical objects. Interpretationcommunicates the science of the natural world, the stories of the cultural world, and theexcitement of the recreational world to an audience in a manner that is provoking and interesting,and leaves them wanting to discover more.

Interpretation is thetranslation of the languageof the scientist, the voices ofthe past, and thesignificance of the places tohelp create meanings andconnections with the peopleof the present. Carolyn Widner

Interpretation is acommunication processthat forges emotional andintellectual connectionsbetween the interests ofthe audience and theinherent meanings in theresource. National Association for

Interpretation

Interpretation is howpeople communicate thesignificance of culturaland natural resources. Doug Knudson, Ted Cable and Larry Beck

Interpretation is anintelligent and meaningfulpresentation andexplanation of thesignificance and value ofthe features and qualitiespreserved in the State ParkSystem. California State Park Operational Manual

Interpretation is thecommunication linkbetween the visitor and(park) resources. Grant Sharpe

Helping people to becomehappily acquainted withthe life and wonders ofwild nature...it isinspirational andeducational. Enos Mills

An educational activitywhich aims to revealmeanings andrelationships through theuse of original objects, byfirsthand experiences,and by illustrative media,rather than simply tocommunicate factualinformation. Freeman Tilden

Environmentalinterpretation is simplyan approach tocommunication . . . (it)involves translating thetechnical language of anatural science or arelated field into termsand ideas that peoplewho aren’t scientists canreadily understand. Sam Ham

Interpretation defined


Types of interpretation There are two basic types of interpretive services provided in California’s state parks, personaland nonpersonal. Personal interpretation involves some type of physical interaction with thevisitor, such as leading visitors through the park. Nonpersonal interpretive services, such asbrochures and exhibits, are available for visitors to use without the presence of staff. A primary characteristic that distinguishes nonpersonal services from personal services is thatnonpersonal interpretation is nonlinear. In other words, the visitor controls the order ofinformation received. For example, when visitors pick up a brochure, they can read whateverparts may interest them. Personal interpretive services, on the other hand, are linear with theinterpreter controlling the order of information. There are positive and negative aspects to eachapproach. The following section briefly describes each approach and the accompanying qualitiesand characteristics associated with its use.

Types of interpretation

Interpretive panels offer nonpersonal services.

Guided programs provide personal serviceopportunities.

Programs and facilities offer personal andnonpersonal service opportunities.


Brochures/pamphlets/maps–Publications that convey information, orientation,or educational messages. The most common form of nonpersonal services usedin California State Parks.Signs–Free standing, affixed messages provided at specific locations. Signs areusually two-dimensional, include graphics, may be interactive and are made ofnumerous material types including wood, metal, porcelain enamel, fiberglassembedment and Lexan©.Exhibits–Three dimensional, object, or artifact-based displays. Exhibits areoften interactive and can include written, visual, kinesthetic, and auditorymethods of communication.Wayside exhibits–The term used to describe a sign or exhibit that is locatedalong a road or trail.Self-guided trails–A trail that is interpreted through the use of brochures, signs,and/or audio.Newspapers–Park guide on newsprint, usually created annually or seasonallyfor the park or the region. Often includes the park rules, regulations, and generalinformation.Audiovisual–Videos are usually used as the introduction/welcome to the parkand shown in visitor or information centers. They may be available as souvenirsand promotional tools to increase visitor use.Computers–Interactive method for visitors to receive specific information. Oftenfound in visitor centers with touch screen, keypad, mouse, and monitors.Computers, through web sites, are also increasing the parks’ ability to reachvisitors.Radio transmissions–Low-frequency radio transmissions that reach visitors’vehicular radios. Signs along roadsides indicate where passersby can tune tofind out more information.

Nonpersonal Nonpersonal interpretation typically includes any informational, orientational, and educationalwritten, audio, or visual messages provided for visitors without the use of direct personal contactwith visitors. Nonpersonal services include brochures, pamphlets, newspapers, signs, exhibits,videos, computers, and audio programs (see Table 1.1).


•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Table 1.1Common nonpersonal interpretive services


The nonlinear nature of nonpersonal communication also results in several negativecharacteristics. Because visitors can pick and choose what they select, they may not be receivingthe primary message intended by management. In addition, there is no way of knowing whatmessages, if any, are received. The creation of quality, nonpersonal interpretive services can bevery expensive and time consuming, and it requires expertise and equipment often not readilyavailable at individual park units. A great deal of thought and planning should go into thecreation, placement, and selection of nonpersonal interpretive services. Due to the high front-endcost, most nonpersonal interpretive services will be used for years. Too many or inappropriatelyplaced nonpersonal interpretive services can result in a very negative image for the agency. Forexample, several signs along a scenic trail overlooking the ocean may only serve to distract fromthe natural beauty of the surroundings. Care and attention should be used to ensure thatnonpersonal interpretation is not out-of-date, vandalized, or damaged, and if so, it should bereplaced or removed in a timely manner.


Bulletin boards are nonpersonal servicesthat should be updated regularly.

Publications offer nonpersonalservice opportunities for visitors.

Trail panels provide orientation andinterpretive opportunities.


Personal Personal interpretive services involve direct, face-to-face contact with the visitor. Personalservices include walks, talks, demonstrations, children’s programs, roving, campfire talks,audiovisual talks, and providing information at the front desk. As discussed above, the primarycharacteristic, aside from contact with an individual, that distinguishes personal services fromnonpersonal is that personal interpretation is given in a linear fashion. The interpreter generallycontrols the order of the information presented to the public. There are many benefits of providing personal interpretive services as opposed to nonpersonalones. The primary benefit of personal services is that you have the greatest control over whatmessage the visitor walks away remembering. In addition, you have a chance to interact with thevisitor and answer questions or clear up any misunderstandings. Many visitors like knowing thata real person is available. In this day and age of computers, answering phones and automatedservices everywhere, personal experiences with people can be very rewarding and satisfying.Personal contact with visitors also gives management a good idea of what problems and concernsvisitors have before the issues become critical. The term “authenticity” has also been used to distinguish personal from nonpersonal services(Knudson, Cable, and Beck, 1995). The interpreter has a better chance of physically engagingvisitors in the resource and creating a more authentic experience with the park resources thanthrough the use of nonpersonal, secondhand illustrative media. With the primary mandates toprotect resources and provide for visitor enjoyment of those resources, personal contact withvisitors affords the best opportunity to meet those goals. There are negative aspects to providing personal services. Many managers point to the costper person contacted for interpreter-led programs. On average, most estimates conclude that only20 percent of visitors attend interpreter-led programs (Knudson, Cable, and Beck 1995). Inaddition, each interpreter can only be one place at a time thus reducing both the overall visibilityand the number of visitors contacted throughout the resource. Interpreter-led programs may alsoreduce visitors’ feelings of freedom and discovery. As with nonpersonal services, poor training,preparation, and presentation can leave a negative impression on visitors. Given the importance of every contact, providing quality interpretion helps fulfill the missionof California State Parks. This handbook will review the theories, techniques, and skillsnecessary for providing effective personal interpretation.


?What’s ahead

As we have seen, there are many types of interpretation, each with its own characteristics.Many of the remaining modules in this handbook review, in detail, how to conduct several topicsof interpretive programs. However, before we can answer the question, How do we do it?, weshould ask ourselves, Why do we do it? Now that we have an understanding of what interpreta-tion is, we can turn to Module 2-Purpose and Values–to discover why we should conduct inter-pretation in California’s state parks.


California Department of Parks and Recreation, Department Operations Manual (DOM Sec.1300.1). Sacramento, CA, 1986.

California Department of Parks and Recreation, The Seventh Generation: The Strategic Vision ofCalifornia State Parks. Sacramento, CA, 2001.

Doyle, Kevin. Environmental Careers in the 21st Century. Washington, DC: IslandPress, 1999.

Ham, Sam. Environmental Interpretation: A Practical Guide for People with Big Ideasand Small Budgets. Golden, CO: North American Press, 1992.

Knudson, Douglas, Ted Cable, and Larry Beck. Interpretation of Cultural and NaturalResources. State College, PA: Venture, 1995.

Lynch, Michael. Rangers in California’s State Parks. Santa Barbara, CA: Morrison, 1996.

Mills, Enos. Adventures of a Nature Guide. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Page andCompany, 1920.

Muir, John. The Yosemite. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Page and Company, 1912.

Prell, Sharon. Personal Communication on 7/16/02. Pacific Southwest Region:Recreation Extension Agent, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, 2002.

Propst, D. and Joseph Roggenbuck. A Guide to Cultural and EnvironmentalInterpretation in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Instruction Report R-81-1,1981.

Sharpe, Grant. Interpreting the Environment. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons Inc.,1976.

The National Association for Interpretation [online]. Fort Collins, CO: 2001. Availablefrom World Wide Web: http://www.interpnet.com.

Tilden, Freeman. Interpreting Our Heritage. Rev. ed. Chapel Hill, NC:University of North Carolina Press, 1967.

Literature cited


Additional references

Bean, Walton and James Rawls. California, An Interpretive History. 5th Edition.San Francisco, CA: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1988.

Butler, Mary. Prophet of the Parks: The Story of William Penn Mott, Jr. Ashburn, VA:The National Recreation and Park Association, 1999.

De Vries, Carolyn. Grand and Ancient Forest: The Story of Andrew P. Hill and BigBasin Redwood State Park. Fresno, CA: Valley Publishers, 1978.

Engbeck, Joseph. State Parks of California from 1864 to Present. Portland, OR:Charles H. Belding Publisher, 1980.

Gross, Michael, and Ron Zimmerman. Interpretive Centers: The History, Design andDevelopment of Nature and Visitors Centers. Stevens Point, WI: UW-SP Press,2002.

Lewis, William. Interpreting for Park Visitors. Philadelphia, PA: Eastern Acorn Press,1981.

Loewen, James. Lies Across America. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 1999.

Sirch, Willow. Eco-Women: Protectors of the Earth. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Kids, 1996.

1-18

08/2004 1-19 Introduction/Student Workbook

Introduction


Answer each question in the section below before reviewing the material in Module1-Introduction. The answers are not provided. Compare your answers with your colleagues and asyou read Module 1-Introduction. Items from the self assessment may be reviewed and discussedin class.

1) Historically, what was the primary function of interpretive services?

2) Who was the first official paid park ranger in the country?a) Galen Clarkb) Enos Millsc) Freeman Tildend) John Muir

3) The California Department of Parks and Recreation was created in which year?a) 1957b) 1919c) 1916d) 1927

4) Which federal agency provides the most interpretive services for the public?a) United States Forest Serviceb) National Park Servicec) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviced) Bureau of Land Managemente) U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

5) In your own words, what is the mission of California State Parks? How does interpretationhelp fulfill this mission?

Self assessment


6) Name two state agencies, other than California StateParks, that provide interpretive servicesin California.

7) What is interpretation?

8) Name three forms of nonpersonal interpretive services provided in California State Parks.

9) Name three benefits of providing personal interpretive services as opposed to nonpersonalservices.

Now that you have completed the self assessment questions, review the material inModule 1-Introduction to confirm your answers. After reading the module, move on to theworkbook learning activities, which will assist you in developing your skills.

Self assessment


Workbook learning activities

To help you review and apply the material covered in Module 1-Introduction, a selectionof review questions and/or activities is provided. Again, no answers are included. Use the mate-rial from the module, outside sources, and your colleagues to help you complete the activities andanswer the questions. There may be more than one right answer. Use the questions and activitiesto generate discussion about the material. Be prepared to discuss, perform, or demonstrate youranswers in class.

1) If interpretation started as a management tool, what do you think is the function of interpreta-tion in California State Parks today?

2) Are personal or nonpersonal interpretive services more effective? Why?

3) What is your definition of interpretation?

4) Identify one event and one person that have shaped interpretive services in California StateParks and indicate how.


Answer each question with the information specific to your park. You will have to con-duct some research in order to answer each question. Use the answers as a guide for beginningyour career in California State Parks.

Introduction

Park name_________________________________________________________________

1) Write a brief history of your park (include when it was established, why was it established,what its primary goals are, and how interpretation fits in with the mission of your park).

2) Write a brief summary or list of the types of interpretive services currently provided in yourpark.

Take it to your park


3) What other organizations provide interpretive services in your park area?

4) Is there a nonprofit interpretive association affiliated with your park? If so, what is its nameand its mission, and what role does it play in your park?

Take it to your park

Documents

Module 1 Introduction - parks.ca.gov